The world’s most business-friendly countries might surprise you. Some nations discourage entrepreneurs with complex regulations and high taxes. Others welcome them with incredible incentives – like 0% corporate tax rates in UAE’s free zones or just 12.5% in Ireland.
Singapore stands out by letting entrepreneurs set up their business in less than a day. This makes it simple for international business owners to break into new markets. Each country brings something special to the table. Germany attracts businesses with its resilient manufacturing sector and 15% tax rate. New Zealand appeals to many because it doesn’t charge capital gains tax.
Our analysis of current tax rates, setup requirements, and business incentives shows clear winners. Here are seven countries that combine the best tax benefits with business-friendly policies in 2025.
Singapore: The Global Business Hub with Attractive Tax Incentives
“Singapore continues to place emphasis on the growth of its financial sectors. To strengthen the attractiveness of our asset and wealth management sector, the government has set up the Equities Market Review Group which has developed its first set of tax measures to encourage more investments in our capital markets.” — Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore
Singapore has become a top choice for entrepreneurs looking for business-friendly conditions with great tax benefits. The island nation is home to more than 4,000 tech startups and 400 venture capital firms, thanks to its thriving innovation ecosystem and strong government backing.
Singapore’s Corporate Tax Structure Explained
The country uses a simple corporate tax system with a flat rate of 17% on chargeable income for all companies, local and foreign. This rate makes Singapore competitive globally. The tax benefits and incentives that help businesses at every growth stage make it even more attractive.
Singapore’s system is clear and predictable, unlike many countries with complex tax brackets. The country taxes income from Singapore operations and foreign income brought into the country. Tax exemptions apply to foreign income from dividends, branch profits, and services when specific requirements are met.
Singapore’s one-tier corporate income tax system means companies pay tax only once on their profits. Recipients don’t pay tax on dividends from Singapore resident companies. This simple approach helps businesses avoid the double taxation problems common in other countries.
Tax Exemption Schemes for Startups and SMEs
New businesses love Singapore’s Tax Exemption Scheme for Startups (SUTE). Eligible startups get these benefits:
- 75% tax exemption on the first SGD 100,000 of chargeable income
- 50% exemption on the next SGD 100,000 of chargeable income
These exemptions last for the first three Years of Assessment (YA). Businesses can save up to SGD 125,000 in tax during their early growth phase. Companies must be Singapore-incorporated, tax-resident, and have no more than 20 shareholders to qualify. At least one individual shareholder must own 10% of issued shares.
The Partial Tax Exemption (PTE) scheme takes over after year three. It offers 75% exemption on the first SGD 10,000 and 50% on the next SGD 190,000 of chargeable income. Companies that don’t qualify for SUTE can still use PTE, which shows how flexible Singapore’s tax system is.
R&D Tax Incentives and Innovation Support
Singapore has built itself into an innovation hub by offering big tax incentives for R&D activities. From 2009 to 2025, companies can claim tax deductions for R&D done in Singapore, even if it’s not related to their main business.
Companies doing qualifying R&D projects in Singapore can claim a 400% tax deduction on their first SGD 400,000 of costs for consumables and staff. This enhanced deduction runs from YA 2024 to YA 2028, showing the government’s steadfast dedication to innovation.
The government has set aside SGD 225 million through the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation scheme to build a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Startups can access many grants, including Startup SG Tech, which provides up to SGD 250,000 for Proof-of-Concept projects and SGD 500,000 for Proof-of-Value projects.
Banking and Financial Infrastructure for Business Growth
Singapore’s resilient financial infrastructure is the life-blood of business growth. The country has grown into a leading global financial hub that manages over USD 4 trillion in assets. This strong foundation gives businesses easy access to capital, investments, and specialized financial services.
Entrepreneurs can choose from a complete range of financial services that fit their stage of growth. Local and foreign banks offer SME-specific products like deposits, cash management, loans, and trade financing.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) gives tax incentives to financial institutions through the Financial Sector Incentive (FSI) and Insurance Business Development (IBD) schemes. This creates an ecosystem where businesses can easily get the capital they need for global expansion.
Singapore remains one of the best countries to start a business in 2025. Venture capital funding stays strong with more than USD 8.11 billion in equity funding across 500+ deals in 2022. This gives entrepreneurs great access to investment capital.
United Arab Emirates: Zero Tax Zones and Strategic Location
Image Source: BMS Auditing
The UAE ranks among the best countries to start a business thanks to economic zones that offer amazing tax benefits. Entrepreneurs can access unique perks that cut down operating costs through more than 40 specialized free zones nationwide.
Free Zone vs. Mainland Business Taxation
UAE’s business landscape splits into two main areas—free zones and mainland—each with its own tax rules. Mainland businesses now pay 9% corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000 since June 2023. But free zone companies can still enjoy 0% taxation if they qualify as a “Qualifying Free Zone Person” (QFZP).
Companies must meet several requirements to get QFZP status. These include keeping enough business activity in the UAE, earning qualifying income, following transfer pricing rules, and having proper documentation. Manufacturing, share holding, fund management, and logistics services are some of the qualifying activities.
Market access creates another big difference between these areas. Mainland companies can work anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Free zone businesses can only operate internationally and within their specific zone. Notwithstanding that, free zones make up for this with perks like 100% foreign ownership, complete profit repatriation, and no import/export duties.
VAT Considerations and Exemptions
UAE introduced a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) in January 2018, but the system has strategic exemptions. These exemptions cover:
- Residential properties (usually exempt)
- Bare land
- Local passenger transport
- Certain financial services
Zero-rated supplies (taxed at 0% VAT) include exports of goods and services, international transportation, some education and healthcare services, and new residential properties supplied within three years of construction. Business planning needs a clear understanding of these differences. Suppliers don’t charge tax on zero-rated or exempt supplies, but only zero-rated suppliers can get back input tax on related expenses.
Long-term Visa Options for Entrepreneurs
UAE’s Golden Visa program gives entrepreneurs a chance at long-term residency with special benefits. Business owners can get this 10-year renewable visa if they have:
- Gotten approval for a groundbreaking business project from an approved business incubator
- Started a qualifying business project labeled as an SME with yearly revenue of at least AED 1,000,000
- Created a previous groundbreaking project sold for no less than AED 7,000,000
Golden Visa holders get multiple entry permissions and don’t need sponsorship. They can stay outside the UAE longer and sponsor family members whatever their age. This program matches UAE’s top spot in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor’s Global Entrepreneurship Index 2022.
Setting Up a Tax-Efficient Business Structure in the UAE
UAE’s specialized free zones offer the quickest way to tax efficiency for entrepreneurs. These zones support businesses of all types with custom-built infrastructure nationwide.
Free zone businesses can choose between two main structures:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Perfect for sole proprietors
- Free Zone Company (FZC): Great for multiple shareholders
The best strategy picks a free zone that matches your business activity since each zone focuses on specific sectors. This smart choice, plus meeting QFZP requirements, helps keep the 0% tax rate that attracts international entrepreneurs to UAE.
UAE’s location between Europe, Asia, and Africa provides uninterrupted access to major global markets. This makes it a perfect hub for businesses looking to grow internationally.
Estonia: Digital Nation with Distributed Profit Taxation
Estonia stands out as one of the best countries to start a business thanks to its innovative digital infrastructure and smart tax approach. This Baltic nation has transformed how businesses operate. Companies pay taxes only when they share profits—not when they earn them.
Understanding Estonia’s Unique Corporate Tax System
Estonia’s corporate tax system is different from what you’ll find anywhere else. It uses a “distributed profit taxation” model. Companies pay 0% corporate income tax on profits they keep or reinvest. Your company can grow without paying corporate income tax as long as you put the profits back into the business.
The tax kicks in when you share profits with shareholders. Companies pay a 20/80 tax rate on distributed amounts (20% of the gross amount). Shareholders don’t pay extra income tax on these dividends. This removes the double taxation headache you’d face in other countries.
Regular profit distributions get better rates. A reduced rate of 14/86 (14% of the gross amount) applies when distributions stay below the average taxable dividend from the last three years. This smart approach makes Estonia one of the most tax-friendly places to grow and reinvest in your business.
E-Residency Program for Remote Business Management
Estonia made history in 2014 as the first country worldwide to launch e-Residency—a digital identity anyone can get. This program lets entrepreneurs:
- Set up a company 100% online in just a few hours
- Use Estonian digital business services from anywhere
- Sign documents digitally with legal validity
- Handle taxes and run operations completely online
The e-Residency digital ID card comes with 2048-bit public key encryption and a two-PIN security system. More than 100,000 e-residents have joined so far, showing how much entrepreneurs love this hassle-free way to start a business. You can set up your company in less than 20 minutes, right from your computer.
Digital Banking and Financial Services
Estonia’s financial system matches its digital business environment. 99% of all banking transactions happen electronically. Entrepreneurs can choose from traditional banks or modern fintech solutions.
E-residents can bank with Estonian institutions or payment providers across the EU/EEA. These services handle international transfers, multiple currencies, and online payments for e-commerce. Companies like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Paysera give you business accounts that work with multiple currencies and cheap international transfers—perfect for global operations.
Banking has gone digital too. Since 2017, you can open an account online using e-ID or e-Residency cards, plus a video chat and face scan.
EU Market Access and Trade Benefits
An Estonian company gives you direct access to the EU’s single market—a huge plus for international growth. The EU’s Access2Markets platform helps you get info about tariffs, taxes, and rules for trading with other countries.
EU membership means Estonian companies can freely move goods, services, money, and people between member states. You also get EU-wide protection for intellectual property. E-residents get these perks without moving to Estonia, making it the best country to start a business as a foreigner.
Estonia combines zero tax on reinvested profits, easy digital setup, modern banking, and EU market access to create a business paradise. Growth-focused entrepreneurs who want efficiency and minimal red tape will find Estonia among the best countries to do business in 2025.
Switzerland: Stability and Competitive Cantonal Tax Rates
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Switzerland stands out as a prime destination for entrepreneurs who want long-term security because of its stable political and economic climate. The country ranks among the best countries to start a business with its clear legal system and policies that welcome businesses.
Navigating Switzerland’s Cantonal Tax System
The Swiss tax system mirrors its federal structure. Taxes apply at federal, cantonal, and municipal levels throughout its 26 sovereign cantons. Businesses can benefit by choosing their location wisely in this three-tiered system. The total tax rate on profits varies between 11.5% to 21.04% based on canton and municipality. The average rate stands at 14.7% as of 2022.
Over the last several years, most cantons have cut their corporate tax rates to stay competitive. Entrepreneurs can now pay less tax by setting up in business-friendly cantons like Zug, Vaud, or Zurich. New entrepreneurs get even better deals in many cantons. Tech startups and innovative companies can pay as little as 12-14% in taxes.
Holding Company Structures and Benefits
Switzerland remains a top choice for holding structures through its generous participation relief system, even after ending special cantonal tax status in 2019. Companies that own substantial shares in other firms pay almost no tax on dividend income and capital gains. Pure holding companies enjoy tax-free status on these earnings.
Many cantons reduce yearly capital taxes on equity from shareholdings, group loans, or patents. Swiss authorities don’t charge withholding tax on interest or royalty payments that follow market rates. These perks make Switzerland perfect for international holding companies that earn money in multiple countries.
Intellectual Property Protection and Patent Box Regime
Switzerland leads the Global Innovation Index thanks to its reliable intellectual property protection. The Patent Box Ordinance lets companies pay less tax on patent profits in all cantons. Tax savings can reach up to 90% depending on the canton.
Research companies get extra benefits:
- Optional R&D super deduction up to 50% on Swiss research costs
- 400% tax deduction on qualified R&D spending
- Strong protection for IP rights and new ideas
Companies can reduce their taxable profit by up to 70%, though some cantons set lower limits. These rules make Switzerland ideal for companies that focus on innovation and want tax benefits.
Banking Secrecy and Financial Advantages
Swiss banking privacy has adapted to global standards while keeping core protections intact. Businesses benefit from excellent asset protection and state-of-the-art banking services. Banking contributes about 10% of Swiss GDP and provides specialized business solutions.
Swiss banks give business owners unmatched financial stability, a strong currency, and expert help with global assets. Foreign taxpayers must share information automatically, but Swiss residents still enjoy bank secrecy for tax purposes. Tax offices can’t access bank details unless clients report their accounts.
Switzerland proves to be one of the best countries for business with its mix of fair tax rates, holding company benefits, solid IP protection, and advanced banking services. These features appeal to companies that need stability and want to plan for the future.
Ireland: Low Corporate Tax and EU Market Gateway
Image Source: Company Bureau Formations
Ireland stands out as a smart choice among the best countries to start a business thanks to its competitive tax system that serves as the life-blood of its economic policy. The country combines low corporate taxes with unique access to European markets.
Ireland’s 12.5% Corporate Tax Advantage
The standard 12.5% corporate tax rate on trading profits makes Ireland a prime destination for international businesses. Most Irish-incorporated companies that actively trade can benefit from this competitive rate. Higher rates apply to other income types – 25% for passive income and 33% for capital gains.
This tax-friendly environment particularly appeals to multinational enterprises. U.S.-controlled businesses make up 25 of Ireland’s top 50 firms and generate 70% of their combined revenue. The predictable nature of these tax policies helps companies plan their long-term business strategies.
R&D Tax Credits and Knowledge Development Box
Ireland rewards breakthroughs with substantial tax incentives. The R&D tax credit jumped from 25% to 30% for activities after January 1, 2024. Companies can claim this credit on top of the standard 12.5% deduction, which results in a 42.5% tax benefit on qualifying R&D spending.
The Knowledge Development Box (KDB) regime complements these benefits by offering:
- 10% effective tax rate on qualifying profits since October 1, 2023
- 6.25% for earlier periods
Companies need to create qualifying assets through R&D activities to get KDB benefits. These assets include patented inventions, copyrighted software, or certified inventions for small companies. The program targets income from commercializing intellectual property and creates strong incentives for technology and research-focused companies.
EU Single Market Access Benefits
Beyond tax perks, businesses in Ireland can reach the European Single Market’s 450 million people. Brexit left Ireland as the only English-speaking EU member, making it a natural gateway for companies looking to expand in Europe.
Companies can trade freely within the EU without customs or tariffs, and benefit from consistent regulations across member states. Many international companies choose Ireland as their EMEA headquarters. The country becomes their springboard for global expansion plans.
Startup Tax Relief Programs
Section 486C tax relief helps new entrepreneurs by cutting corporation tax in their first five years. This applies when:
- Corporation tax is €40,000 or less in a tax year (full relief)
- Corporation tax falls between €40,000 and €60,000 (partial relief)
The Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) provides additional support. Former PAYE employees starting their own companies can claim back income tax on investments up to €140,000 yearly, with a €980,000 maximum over seven years.
These targeted programs, plus Ireland’s corporate tax benefits and EU market access, make it one of the best countries to do business for entrepreneurs who want tax efficiency and room to grow.
Hong Kong: Strategic Asian Hub with Territorial Taxation
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Hong Kong stands as Asia’s premier business gateway. Its strategic location puts half the world’s population within a five-hour flight. The city’s reliable infrastructure and territorial tax system make it one of the best countries to start a business.
Hong Kong’s Territorial Tax System Benefits
The city follows a territorial source principle for taxation. Companies only pay taxes on profits generated within Hong Kong. Most foreign-sourced income remains untaxed, which creates big savings for international businesses. Hong Kong’s two-tiered profits tax rates are 8.25% on the first HKD 2 million and 16.5% on remaining profits. The city doesn’t charge VAT, capital gains tax, dividends tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax.
Tax Treaties and International Business Advantages
Hong Kong has signed detailed Double Taxation Agreements with 51 jurisdictions as of 2024. These agreements protect businesses from double taxation on income. Companies can better understand their tax obligations and assess potential liabilities through these incentives for international trade. The city serves as China’s gateway through the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). This arrangement gives preferential treatment to Hong Kong’s goods, services, and investments entering mainland China.
Setting Up a Business in Hong Kong
Starting a company in Hong Kong takes just 24-48 hours. The online process costs less and has simple tax compliance rules. New businesses should register with the Inland Revenue Department within their first month of operations. The business-friendly environment supports many company structures. Foreigners can own 100% of limited companies here.
Banking and Financial Services for Entrepreneurs
Hong Kong’s financial hub hosts 78 of the world’s top 100 banks. The city has over 163 licensed banks and 8 virtual banks. Entrepreneurs can access various financing options from government grants to private venture capital. The city offers multiple funding programs for startups through Cyberport initiatives and Innovation and Technology Venture Fund. Hong Kong’s position as the largest offshore Renminbi settlement hub strengthens its appeal for businesses targeting Asian markets.
Canada: R&D Incentives and North American Market Access
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Canada draws entrepreneurs with its strong innovation ecosystem and significant tax breaks for research and development. The country gives business owners tax benefits and simplified immigration routes to access the North American market.
Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Credits
The SR&ED program stands among the world’s most generous R&D incentive systems. It provides over CAD 3 billion yearly in tax assistance to about 20,000 Canadian businesses. Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) get a 35% refundable investment tax credit (ITC) on their first CAD 3 million of qualified spending. A 15% non-refundable credit applies after this amount. The program can fund up to 65% of eligible R&D costs when combined with provincial incentives.
Provincial Tax Variations and Incentives
Canadian provinces offer their own R&D tax credits that range from 3.5% to 30%. Quebec’s program leads the pack. These provincial benefits add to federal ones but reduce deductible SR&ED expenses. Provinces also give industry-specific perks like co-operative education and apprenticeship tax credits. This layered system creates a complete support network for innovative businesses.
Small Business Deduction Benefits
The Small Business Deduction (SBD) cuts corporate income tax for Canadian-controlled private corporations on their first CAD 500,000 of active business income. This leads to a lower effective tax rate of 9% at the federal level instead of the standard 15%. The eligibility threshold went up by a lot in 2022. Businesses with taxable capital between CAD 10 million and CAD 50 million can now get partial or full deductions. Medium-sized enterprises that couldn’t access these benefits before can now take advantage of them.
Immigration Pathways for Entrepreneurs
The Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs who can create innovative businesses that generate jobs and compete worldwide. Entrepreneurs must get support from designated organizations like venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. On top of that, several Provincial Nominee Programs offer entrepreneurial streams to establish or buy businesses in specific provinces. Successful applicants end up getting permanent residency while growing their ventures in one of the best countries to start a business.
Comparison Table
| Country | Corporate Tax Rate | Key Tax Benefits/Incentives | Special Programs/Zones | Business Setup Features | Market Access Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 17% flat rate | – Tax exemption of 75% on first SGD 100,000 (startups) |
- Tax deduction of 400% on R&D costs | Tax Exemption Scheme for Startups (SUTE) | Access to USD 4 trillion assets under management | A robust financial center hosting 4,000+ tech startups | | UAE | 9% mainland, 0% free zones | – Personal income tax not applicable
- VAT exemptions across select sectors | Over 40 diverse free zones | Complete foreign ownership in free zones | Central location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa | | Estonia | 0% on retained profits, 20% on distributed profits | – Reduced rate of 14% on regular distributions
- Double taxation eliminated | E-Residency Program | Quick online registration completed within hours | Complete access to EU market | | Switzerland | 11.5% – 21.04% (varies by canton) | – Patent Box relief up to 90%
- R&D super deduction reaching 50% | Flexible cantonal tax system | Robust IP protection framework | Direct access to European markets | | Ireland | 12.5% on trading income | – R&D tax credit of 30%
- Knowledge Development Box rate at 10% | Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) | Section 486C tax benefits for new ventures | Access to EU Single Market with 450M consumers | | Hong Kong | 8.25% on first HKD 2M, 16.5% after | – No VAT, capital gains, or dividend tax
- Territory-based taxation model | 51 Double Taxation Agreements | Business setup within 24-48 hours | Chinese market access through CEPA | | Canada | 15% federal (9% for small business) | – CCPCs receive 35% R&D tax credit
- Additional provincial credits up to 30% | SR&ED Program, Start-up Visa Program | Varied provincial tax benefits | Access to North American market |
Conclusion
These countries stand out as the best places to start a business in 2025, each with its own compelling advantages. Singapore draws entrepreneurs with a 17% corporate tax rate and generous startup exemptions. The UAE’s free zones remain appealing with their 0% corporate tax rates. Estonia takes an innovative path by taxing only distributed profits, which helps businesses reinvest and grow.
Swiss businesses can optimize their tax position through the cantonal system, with rates as low as 11.5%. The country also provides strong intellectual property protection. Ireland appeals to innovation-focused companies with its steady 12.5% corporate tax rate and improved R&D credits. Hong Kong’s territorial taxation system makes it an ideal gateway to Asian markets. Canadian authorities provide substantial R&D incentives and clear immigration paths for business owners.
Your specific business needs should guide the choice of location. Singapore’s infrastructure and tax incentives work well for manufacturing companies. Digital ventures can thrive with Estonia’s e-Residency program. Irish or Swiss bases make sense for targeting European markets. Hong Kong proves strategic for Asian expansion plans.
These nations show how competitive tax rates combine with practical benefits to create successful business environments. Strong banking systems, market access, and optimized setup processes play crucial roles. Their steadfast dedication to new incentives and programs continues to encourage international entrepreneurs and stimulate business growth.
